candelabrum

[ kan-dl-ah-bruhm, -ab-ruhm ]

noun

, plural can·de·la·bra [kan-dl-, ah, -br, uh, -, ab, -r, uh], can·de·la·brums.

1. an ornamental branched holder for more than one candle.

candelabrum

/ ˌkændɪˈlɑːbrəm /

noun

1. a large branched candleholder or holder for overhead lights

Word History and Origins

Origin of candelabrum¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from Latin candēlābrum “candlestick, lampstand,” equivalent to candēl(a) “wax or tallow candle, taper” + -abrum, variant (after stems with an -l- ) of -bulum instrumental suffix; -ā- by analogy with deverbative derivatives; candle

Word History and Origins

Origin of candelabrum¹

C19: from Latin, from candēla candle

Example Sentences

A monumental bronze candelabrum, weighing more than half a ton and meant for the tomb of the lavish cardinal Thomas Wolsey, was cast in London by an immigrant artist from Florence, Benedetto da Rovezzano.

From New York Times

During Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights,” Jews light the Menorah, a candelabrum of nine candles, and during the four weeks of Advent Christians light a Yule Log.

From Seattle Times

Many Hanukkah observers display their menorahs in areas where the holy candelabrum can be viewed by inhabitants and guests.

From Fox News

Spring is moving into summer, and many of us who have been in triage rooms and somehow noticed the “candelabrum of the cosmos” and returned to our loves, are thankful for it all.

From New York Times

A thin ray of sun struck the prisms of a candelabrum on the mantelpiece, throwing brilliant, trembling shards of light that were distorted by the slant of the dormer walls.

From Literature

Related Words

• candelabra
• sconce